Do Checks Expire?
4 Min Read | Published: March 5, 2024
When do checks expire? How long a check is good for will depend on the type of check in question, and a few additional factors.
At-A-Glance
- While checks don’t typically “expire,” after a certain point they “go stale,” and may become outdated.1
- How long your check will be good for will depend on the type of check in question.
- For personal and business checks, banks are not required to honor checks beyond a six-month window, but they may choose to do so anyway.
Are you curious whether that old check you’ve just found is expired? It’s a valid question. How long a check is good for will depend on several factors. In this article, we’ll uncover how long different types of checks are typically good for, and how you may be able to handle an expired check.
How Long Before Checks Expire?
While checks in general do not “expire,” this doesn’t mean that they have an infinite lifespan. After a certain point, checks become “stale” or “outdated,” which could impact your ability to deposit or cash them.2
So how long does a check last until it becomes outdated? That depends on the type of check, but typically you have around six months.
When someone writes a check, it’s usually with the expectation that it will be cashed or deposited within a reasonable timeframe. By waiting too long, you could run the risk of circumstances changing, or funds not being available, so it’s typically best to try to cash or deposit those checks soon after you receive them.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical timelines for various types of checks, including personal checks, business checks, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, and government checks:
- Personal and Business Checks
Typically, a business or personal check is considered valid for six months from the date it is written. After the six-month period, the check may be considered stale or outdated (unless the check states that it is valid for up to a year), and banks can refuse it at their discretion.3 To avoid complications, it’s advisable to cash or deposit these checks promptly. - Cashier’s Check
Cashier’s checks are often viewed as more secure than personal checks because they are issued by a bank and drawn from its own funds. Cashier’s checks usually do not have an explicit expiration date, but if the check is held for too long the bank may put it through a process known as “escheating,” where the funds may be transferred to the state. In this case, you’ll need to request a replacement check from the issuing bank.4 - Traveler’s Check
The use of traveler’s checks has declined in recent years with the rise of electronic payment methods. Generally, traveler’s checks do not expire, but you should check with the issuer to verify. - Government Checks
Checks issued by the U.S. government are usually good for one year after the issue date. If a government check remains uncashed beyond this timeframe, the issuing agency may consider it expired, and recipients may need to request a reissue.
Handling Expired Checks
If you have a stale or outdated personal or business check, it may be an idea to reach out to the issuer and request a replacement. For cashier’s checks and traveler’s checks, contact the issuing institution for guidance on their policies regarding expired checks.
The Takeaway
While checks may not have explicit expiration dates, they can become outdated. Typically, this will happen after six months, but this timeline can vary. After that, it may be at the bank’s discretion whether they will honor the check. In some cases, you may need to request that the issuer issues a new one.
1,2,3,4 "How Long Are Checks Good For," Forbes
Amanda Fancourt is a writer, editor, and content strategist. She covers finance, investment, and real estate. Her work has been featured in a range of publications, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fortune, and Realtor.com.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
Related Articles
How Can I Get a Cashier’s Check?
If you need a cashier’s check, where do you start? Here’s the lowdown on where to get a cashier’s check, what it costs, what information you need to provide, and more.
How Do Credit Cards Work? Demystifying Credit Art & Science
Understanding how credit cards work can help you use them to your best advantage. Peek behind the curtain of credit cards’ complex workings.
How to Write a Check in 6 Easy Steps
At a time with many digital payment options, some people aren’t sure how to write a check. Follow these steps to help you write personal checks properly.
The material made available for you on this website, Credit Intel, is for informational purposes only and intended for U.S. residents and is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you have questions, please consult your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.
Shop All American Express Credit Cards
